The game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday was marred by a heated interaction between Trey McBride and a referee in the fourth quarter.
With five minutes left on third-and-2, Dru Philipps made contact with McBride before the ball arrived. However, Jeff Seeman, the line judge, did call a pass interference or an illegal contact penalty on Phillips, prompting McBride to complain. Seeman then appeared to say “F*** you” to the fifth-year tight end.
After the game, the NFL said it will review Seeman's apparent use of profanity.
The NFL says it will review the situation from today's Cardinals-Giants game, in which the ref appears to have used profanity at TE Trey McBride.
NFLPA Executive Director JC Tretter called for the league to hold the official accountable. https://t.co/YldWup9AFG
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 5, 2026
JC Tretter, the executive director of the NFL Players Association, urged the league to hold the referee accountable.
“This kind of behavior from an official towards a player is unacceptable. Players are consistently held accountable when the roles are reversed. We expect the NFL to hold officials to the same standard,” posted Trett on X.
Article Continues BelowThe Cardinals lost to the Giants, 36-24, and fell to 1-3.
McBride finished with seven receptions for 31 yards.
Deonte Banks completed a pick-six on Jacoby Brissett to win it for New York.
The non-call on Phillips proved to be critical, leaving the Cardinals lamenting their third straight defeat and coach Mike LaFleaur shouldering the blame.
“All three losses we've had over the last three weeks have been different. This one is going to sting. It's not going to be the most fun ride home. There are certainly things I know I could have done better. We have to get right back to work because no one is going to feel sorry for us,” said LaFleur in a report from the Associated Press' Stephen Whyno.
Arizona will host the Detroit Lions in Week 5.